this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2023
268 points (97.2% liked)

Steam Deck

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Quick summary of the article

  • New fan, it's quieter than both of the previous fans. Will be a huge upgrade for Delta fan users.

  • Old SSD will work, so anyone with a larger SSD from their previous deck should be able to move the SSD with all their games over to the new deck.

  • While the deck is easier to open with the new screws, there is now a ribbon cable run on the outside of the heat shield over the SSD. This cable is glued in place, meaning it's required to disconnect the cable and carefully separate it from the adhesive. An unfortunate decrease in repairability for the device.

  • Most old accessories will work fine, with the exception of replaceable back plates. Even screen protectors should work, since most covered the bezel before.

  • Carrying case has several improvements on the larger model, including Velcro to hold it closed with the zipper closed, and a removable insert case that offers a slimmer, lower protection option.

  • The charging light on the deck is now multi-colored and can change color to let you know when the deck is fully charged.

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[–] [email protected] 109 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Gamers Nexus They Changed Everything: Valve Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Tear-Down points out WAY more changes, they refreshed A LOT of the components. Completely new main board etc.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 11 months ago

Yeah, that video is really good and very indepth.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

Same for the digital foundry video, it has a long list of changes.

[–] [email protected] 54 points 11 months ago (2 children)

This is the first time I've heard about gluing a cable to the heat shield cover. Oof.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, that's kind of a major detail for anyone worried about reparability. Surprising choice. Not a deal breaker, but definitely a step in the wrong direction in terms of design (overshadowed by other good choices).

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

What's weird is Valve has been so good about repairability. Can't help but think there's a solid reason for the change.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 11 months ago

The LCD decks m.2 slot is a slower PCI lane, I wonder if the OLED version has a faster lane and generates more heat. That or their changes to air flow requires it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago

Yeah. I wish they had mentioned it actually. They went to the trouble of mentioning that they improved the battery adhesive situation.

[–] [email protected] -2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I have to wonder if it's possible to keep the ribbon cable glued to the heat shield cover, and just remove the heat shield cover to open up access to the SSD.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It's not worth risking tearing the cable, it'll take you forever to order a replacement. Pick up a bottle of 99% iso alcohol at the pharmacy.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

That's pretty sad that Valve made a repairability downgrade like that. They had to have done that intentionally, right? Is there even any reason to glue down the cable?

[–] [email protected] 34 points 11 months ago

I'm really amazed in what valve did with the new steam deck. They really did a good job addressing many of the little pain points, while keeping most of the equipment compatible.

However, I am very happy with the current steam deck and will only replace it if a true next-gen deck arrives.

[–] [email protected] 23 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (3 children)

I'm so tempted to upgrade but I know I'm going to want a Steam Deck 2 in a couple years. Instead of thinking about it as the LCD vs the OLED model I need to think of it as choosing between the LCD vs the SD2. It's the only way to stop myself.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Don't blame you. I'm thinking that I will but that's only because a buddy of mine has already offered to buy my current one. I wouldn't consider it without selling the old.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago

thank you. I needed this. Stay strong brother.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 11 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago (1 children)

They’re not cheap enough to building a collection of them lol

[–] [email protected] 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

You can sell an original for 200 - 300 now. You will be able to sell the OLED for that much when the SD2 comes out.

Trading in both will cost the same as riding the value of your original into the ground.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

The lcd will diminish by the time the 2 comes out since the oled will have been out for a while and is the better model. Even if it doesn’t you’re still losing a fair amount before resale

[–] [email protected] 0 points 11 months ago

That's my point

[–] [email protected] 18 points 11 months ago (4 children)

I’m just so bummed Valve never seems to reach Norway with their products. With the Link and Controller I didn’t mind importing, but the Deck is pricy as it is and with import costs, tax and such the pricing ends up 20% more expensive than a PS5. I think 2 stores have them listed, but its specialty import and prices reflect that. I wish they would ship to a wider set of countries, would love one myself.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 11 months ago

Just join the EU and you'll get it. Share some of that sweet, sweet oil money.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

That's the normal price difference though? In the US a 1TB PS5 is $499. A 1TB Steam Deck is $649.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Right now, cursory search tells me I can get a PS5 for 5890 NOK, that’s the 1tb variant I believe although it’s listed as 825gb. Next listing is at 6400 NOK.

The 1tb Deck is listed at 10183 NOK if I buy from one of the shops that imported.

A 64gb Switch OLED 2021 variant is listed at 3990 NOK.

The deck is unreasonably expensive due to import stuff when it comes to Norway. We could use remotebuyer services, but they need their cuts too so we’re back to obscene prices. I just want Valve to establish a presence here so we get better prices :(

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Yeah I feel you there, wish they'd expand a bit more. Maybe more like Japan, partnering with retail stores and whatnot.

Sincerely, a Brazilian who had to shell out basically a whole other deck in ridiculous import fees. In my case I'd be fucked either way though, unless they magically decided to start assembling them here or something lol.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

I've worked for a brand that sold Europe wide and sorry to say but logistics to sell into Norway were kind of a nightmare. In fact I kind of got a promotion off the back of moving from DDU to DDP for Norway and it took months to get this seemingly simple transition done. Then there was the whole reverse logistics side of it which was even worse. I think the company reverted back to DDU now after I left lol.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 11 months ago (3 children)

I’m planning on ordering one when they’re available, it’ll be my first, so find it quite exciting reading about all the small improvements they’ve made.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago

Congrats, you'll love it.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I'm so happy with my Stream Deck. The improvements are so nice, but I'm not going to upgrade. But it means you get an even better version. So you'll love it, I'm sure.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Everyone I’ve spoke to about it have said the same.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Same here. I'm just a bit scared that it will be sold out to quickly for me to grab one. :/

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Did you manage to get one? The checkout errors were stressful but I got my order in.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Hey :D. Yeah, I had been trying to get one for half an hour but I kept getting that error. I honestly gave up and went to walk the dog. When I came back I tried again and immediately got one. I'm expecting it now by next week. How about you, did you get yours as well?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Congratulations! Yep, I got mine. I was hitting all the checkout errors as well but managed to get my order through after 30mins of trying. I’m expecting similar delivery, 3-5 days, so I’m pretty excited now!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Yeah I’m little worried about that as well. Apparently Valve are trying to prevent scalping by limiting purchases to 1 a week, so I still remain hopeful for us.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Amazing device--but only if you don't already have a Steam Deck. I still use my original Vita all of the time because the OLED screen looks amazing.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

I have a vita, too! If you own the Deck as well, which one is better? What kind of games do you play? I'm thinking of getting the OLED Deck for my Steam Indie library, but I still have a bunch of vita games to finish, so not sure if it's worth it.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I have one currently but am absolutely getting another! The kids or wife can use the old one which still works perfectly fine!

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago

Yeah, I'm really tempted to gift my LCD one to one of my kids for Christmas.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (2 children)

The new chip is supposed to be more efficient, so quieter fan makes sense.

Is the new hardware saving valve money?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

There's more device integration reducing part count on the board, which generally improves assembly and inspection. Who knows if the BOM is cheaper, but improvements to reliability and reparability will save money. It's easier to repair and turn around broken screens & broken shoulder buttons. Fewer Decks are going to come back because the overheating charge controller exploded, thank god.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

If nothing else it shows dedication to the product, as I think this is the first time they've revised hardware rather than releasing a new product. I know there was some grumbling when it came out that they move from one product to the next, so this could be them trying to prove that they're serious about Steam Deck slash the investment is worth following.